This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1947, Gene Robinson was born. In 2003, he became the first openly gay priest consecrated as a bishop in a major Christian denomination, reshaping the global conversation on faith and queerness.

On this day in 1961, Melissa Etheridge was born. She came out at Clinton's inauguration in 1993, released the breakthrough album Yes I Am, and became an iconic voice in queer rock.

On this day in 1965, seven men and three women picketed the White House, organized by East Coast Homophile Organizations. Years before Stonewall, they demanded dignity at the nation's front door.

On this day in 1987, Congressman Barney Frank publicly came out as gay, becoming the first sitting member of Congress to voluntarily do so and paving the way for future LGBTQ+ leaders.

On this day, Robbie Rogers signed with the LA Galaxy, becoming the first openly gay man to compete in a top North American professional sports league. He was only the second male soccer player to come out worldwide.